5.
I had to wait until Thursday for Lex to phone me to confirm the date for Saturday but in the interim, I had delved into the world amongst the pages of my newly purchased books. How much I had missed this passion – and I only realised so now. On Saturday morning, I packed my book in my bag as I left my house to meet Lex and his climbing friends. They can climb; I can read.
I sat on a huge rock observing Lex and his four friends excitedly gear up for what they anticipated being an awesome climb. When Lex had fetched me earlier, and I got introduced to everyone, I thought the only other woman, Shantel, would join me watching them. However, she was the most eager of them all. They all coaxed, begged, pleaded with and bribed me to give it a try. I stood my ground and rejected them all. The rock I was sitting on, me and my book were very content together. They had been gone for hours, and it was baking hot, so I moved from my rock to another one that was shaded at least. When they eventually returned they babbled on and on about the massive rock face they had conquered, mostly to themselves and now and then to me. As if I was in the least bit interested.
Lex dropped me back at my house, and I truly believed that would be our one and only date, but he surprised me by asking me out again – Saturday night at the club. While I soothed my sunburnt skin in a fragrance bubble bath, I wondered why that initial excitement at the thought of him had dissipated. Perhaps it was because we were so different, but maybe once we kissed that feeling would return. I imagined our first kiss – still nothing. It was so strange not to feel anything more than just friendship for Lex after my heart had fluttered so when I'd first seen him. He was handsome, tall, well built and had a lovely manly voice. His eyes were gentle but not as gentle as Dax's eyes. Dax! I wondered what he was like? What kind of date would he offer? Definitely not climbing rocks in the middle of nowhere. They were so identical it was scary, the only way to tell them apart – besides from their interests – was that Dax's lips were slightly fuller. I wondered if he kissed better than Lex. I jumped up from my lazy position in the bath.
What are you thinking? I scolded myself, got out of the bath, made some hot chocolate and settled myself on the couch, forgetting my ridiculous thoughts as I got lost in the world of my book.
I had not heard from Lex by the time Bible study came around again, and I wondered whether our date for Saturday night was still on. Lex was not in the study, but Dax was, and he greeted me with a lovely smile and a "hello" this time. He also did not leave so early. During the evening, we veered off course a little and were discussing how easy it is to step away from the path we walk along with God when we get faced with disappointments. There were a lot of people at the study and the young ones especially – not having experienced much in life yet – listened keenly. Some of the older attendees spoke of tragedies that cast a sad shadow over the room as they struggled to relive their traumatic experiences without completely breaking down. I opened my stupid mouth and told the group about the incident at the store a few weeks ago and how it was possible that the lady who was attacked or that even those around her might easily let go of God's guiding hand because of such an experience.
There was a moment's silence when I had finished speaking before Dax exclaimed, 'What store was this at?'
I suddenly realised this was the first time I had ever spoken about my job in any way to anyone other than my family or Mr Bartlett and even my family only got tidbits from me. I kicked myself for being so dense.
'It was at a MaxiS Superstore,' I replied hoping the conversation was over with now, and they'd move on to the next person's story, but no, Dax seemed overly curious.
'Where? Where was the store? I have not heard of any robberies in the area.'
Argh! I was so annoyed at myself now.
'In Estcourt.'
'Estcourt!' Dax exclaimed, 'What work do you do that takes you all the way there?'
Now I was very angry at myself.
What do I say to them that isn't a lie? I began to fidget.
'Uhm…I am a rep.'
Dax considered this for a moment, and I was sure he wanted to ask more about my job but Zeke, bless him, moved on to someone else. After we had closed the study with a prayer and were enjoying a coffee and I was getting to meet a few people, Dax stood himself next to me and by the look on his face, I feared more questioning with respect to my job.
So before he made any attempt, I asked, 'Do you own the bookstore?'
'Yep, I do.'
'It's lovely; I stopped reading for a while and whatever reason I strolled into yours that day. Well done with it.'
'Why thank you, ma'am,' he proudly replied.
'How long have you had it now?'
'Just over a year. I can't rely solely on the shop for income, so I lecture at the college, which is my proper vocation.'
I was impressed, and it showed when I asked, 'What do you lecture in?'
'English lit.'
If he were a peacock his feathers would be sprayed out in full flare; he was quite proud of himself or of the fact that he had impressed me. I did not mind which.
'Wow, really well done.'
'So, you and my brother?'
He raised his eyebrows in question.
'Me and your brother – nothing. I went with him to the rock climbing thing, and that has been all.'
He smirked and took a sip of his coffee. On my way home I contemplated phoning Lex to confirm Saturday night but stopped myself not wanting to sound desperate. But Lex did phone on Friday night. Wherever he phoned from was clearly a public place, there was so much loud background noise from both people and music. We yelled at each other over the phone having to repeat what we said several times. Trying to get an answer as to where he was would have been too much PT so I did not bother.
Saturday night arrived and my thick black hair, which matched Lex and Dax's hair almost identically, I tied up loosely leaving a few strands randomly hanging out. I applied a little makeup, just enough to make me look like I had made an effort, put on an emerald green sleeveless lace top – the colour of the shirt enhanced my green eyes, and then pulled on my pair of faded jeans. I finished off with my favourite pair of genuine cowboy boots. Boots were perhaps not the best choice in humid Natal, but I loved them and wore them any chance I got.
Lex was already inside when Britley and I arrived. I was nervous but not excited to see him and slightly miffed that I had to look for him, but when he saw me, he did seem pleased that I was there. All his climbing buddies were there too, and they were talking about some new adventure for Sunday involving mountain bikes. No way was I getting roped into this one as there was a wonderful book waiting to get finished – which I could easily be reading right now! And besides, a bike and I had never gotten on well together. I introduced Britley to everyone amidst their conversation then we excused ourselves and went to greet our friends on the opposite end of the club in our usual seats. I sat with them for a while before returning to Lex and his friends. They were still talking about these mountain bikes; it was ridiculous. So I stood next to Lex, silent, not being able to contribute to their enthusiasm in any way. It was, at least, an hour or so later when Lex finally asked me to dance, but by this time I was so bored I had already contemplated leaving a few times. A slow song began. It was our first slow dance, and we link into each other's arms may be both a little shy at first. As the song progressed, we edged closer to each other until our chests were pressed tightly together. He lifted his head and automatically I did the same.
His eyes hooked into mine while his lips without moving, asked the question, 'May I kiss you?'
I tilted my head toward him, and his lips met mine. Our first kiss tenderly happened as we swayed to the music. But it was indifferent. I was indifferent. It was just a kiss; the expected thrill and relish of a first kiss was unfounded. It disappointed me so, but obviously, I did not let it show and finished the dance in his arms. It was a long, tedious night either spent in the company of Lex's friends or on the dancefloor with him, but all the time I preferred to either be with my friends or even better – at home with my book. I kissed Lex goodbye when the evening finally ended and left without the promise of another date; I was so relieved.